The benefits of third sector involvement in local authority waste management

What was the project about?

The purpose of this research was to identify the social, economic and environmental value generated by third sector organisations when working with Local Authorities in Waste. Using the Social Return on Investment approach (SROI) to map these benefits, we aimed to place, where possible, a financial value on the benefits third sector organisations create.

It is widely recognised that the third sector makes significant contributions to the welfare of communities, over and above its delivery of waste management services. These include provision of jobs and training, educating the public in the need for waste minimization and recycling and encouraging them to get involved, as well as providing refurbished household goods to families in need.  The sector is also perceived to increase social welfare through for example, increased community cohesion and social inclusion.

What are its benefits?

This research project demonstrated an innovative approach to identifying and valuing impact in order to improve the evidence base on how to make best use of the third sector. Five case studies were used to identify the nature and scale of benefits generated and then question whether these benefits could be generated by the private sector. The Research also explored how this value can be best captured by the Local Authorities.

Project Partnership

This research was funded by Defra’s Waste and Resources R&D Programme and was delivered by Resources for Change in partnership with the New Economics Foundation, Resource Futures and Community Environment Associates.

New Insights

This project has revealed many important new insights into the value that the third sector brings to waste management, generating, for instance, improved human capital through volunteering, training and employment.